Filipinos hear testimonial from former singer Freddie Aguilar about his journey to Islam

The non-Arabic lectures on topics relating to Islam and Ramadan, hosted as part of the events and activities of the 14th Dubai Ramadan Forum, organized by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, continue to attract a large number of attendees from various nationalities. On Saturday, 27 June, the Forum hosted an inspirational lecture in the Tagalog language, which was delivered by former Filipino singer Freddie (Farid) Aguilar and well-known preacher Sheikh Nadhir Oquindo.

The special session began with Freddie Aguilar, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated singer-songwriters whose 1977 song "Anak" remains one of the best-selling Philippine music records of all time, providing an honest and heartwarming account of his journey to Islam during his presentation titled “How I Came to Islam”. Narrating the factors that influenced his decision to formally and wholeheartedly accept Islam as his religion, Aguilar mentioned that the quest for one true God began long before he became a star. 

Born into a Roman Catholic family, Aguilar’s father was a chief of police who, as a parent, was a firm disciplinarian. Discontented with the strict rules and guidelines that he always had to follow, the young Freddie ran away from home and ended up in a province totally foreign to him. The more he became isolated from his family, the more he began to miss them, especially his mother. Inspired and emotional, Aguilar composed the song “Anak” which became a huge hit around the world; the song was translated into 28 languages and sung by more than 100 different artists from various nationalities.

Yet, despite the fame and fortune, Aguilar felt empty. He sought comfort by joining the Born Again Christian community but he knew something was still missing in his life. He became a man without religion after some time, but still in his heart he believed that there was one true God. Years went by, and he found himself falling in love with a young lady (now his wife) whom he met during an election campaign in a province in Southern Luzon. The considerable age gap between them, which was ridiculed by the Philippine press and many of his followers, was the instigator for Aguilar to make the biggest decision of his life. With the help of a Muslim friend, he made a public declaration that “There’s no other God worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (PBUH) is a slave and the final messenger of Allah”. He then proceeded to adopt the Muslim name, Farid.

Towards the end of his talk, Aguilar mentioned that since he became a Muslim, he felt peace in his life. All the rumors and negativity were blown away, he said, and his life has become a humble testament of Allah’s mercy. He also proudly announced that his son Jericho embraced the Islamic religion just before he delivered his lecture.

The night also saw a powerful and engaging presentation by Sheikh Nadhir Oquindo, titled “The Eternal Life”. A respected preacher, Sheikh Oquindo completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology in the Philippines before flying to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to continue his studies at the Islamic University of Madina Al Munawarra, where he finished B.S. Daawah and Usool ad-Deen. He is presently a Secretary-General of Discover Islam in Baguio City, Philippines, an Islamic center that caters to the needs of Muslims as well as non-Muslims. He is also an active Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education Teacher at Josefa Carino Elementary School in Baguio City.

In his lecture, Sheikh Oquindo enlightened the audience about the truth behind the concept of ‘life after death’. He said that according to the teachings of Islam, there are only two places where we’re led after death: (1) Paradise with joy and peace, and (2) Hell with pain and sorrow. Sheikh Oquindo emphasized that in order to be able to get to paradise, one should follow the seven conditions of Islam including seeking knowledge of shahada and recognizing that Allah is the only one worthy of worship, firmness in the belief of Allah, acceptance that there is no other religion but Islam, compliance with the teachings of Islam, truthfulness in following the religion, sincerity in believing, and love for Allah. 

Following the Tagalog lecture, 12 members of the audience – including 10 women and 2 men – adopted Islam as their religion on the spot.

The night also witnessed one of the finalists of the “Preacher of the Nation” competition step forward on stage to deliver an inspiring sermon in Arabic, and concluded with a raffle draw for members of the public attending the lecture, which saw exciting prizes being given away including “Umrah” trips, tablets, and smartphones.

The non-Arabic lectures at the 14th Dubai Ramadan Forum are delivered in five foreign languages, namely English, Malayalam, Urdu, Bengali, and Tagalog. 

The 14th Dubai Ramadan Forum offers a bigger and enhanced agenda of activities and events including Arabic and non-Arabic lectures, “Preacher of the Nation” competition, the “Convoy of Goodness” campaign, “Be a Preacher” zone, “Health of the Fasting” awareness campaign, mass Iftar tents, and Iftar experience for non-Muslims.

Other activities held as part of this year’s Forum include an exhibition on the "History and Art of Arabic Calligraphy" hosted at The Dubai Mall, and the “Origins of Creation” exhibition at the DWTC, which displays exclusive CGI animated posters and 3D animations containing verses of the Noble Qur’an explaining the origins of creation, as we know it, along with the English translation of the Qur’anic verses and explanation.

The 14th Dubai Ramadan Forum has attracted support from strategic partners - Al Maktab for Culture & Media and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Initiative of Literary Creativity, as well as main sponsors - Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Holding LLC, Seddiqi Holding, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Dubai Channels Network, and Flicker Show, besides the support sponsors - DP World; iPhoneIslam; Tamani Marina Hotel and Apartment; Emirates National Oil Company Limited (ENOC) LLC; and Power Printing Press.